Yesterday evening, just before sunset, with my brother-in-law Bozorg, and two British friends, Marion and Allen -- who lived in the Gambia for 6 years until 3 years ago -- we drove out into a village to visit Mr. Demba Tambo. Demba Tambo is known as a very honorable and respected man. He is a French teacher (he grew up on the border with Senegal) in a public school, as well as a farmer, active father, community leader, and member of the national governing body of the Baha’is of the Gambia. He owns a plot of land on which he farms sorghum and has built his home out of mud bricks, piece by piece, with his own hands. He has four children of his own and many neighboring children came to visit while we were there. Marion and Allen are sincere and close friends of Mr. Tambo’s and they showed each other the greatest mutual respect.
When we arrived – for Sophia’s first village visit – Marion instructed us to shake hands with everyone we saw…don’t worry about germs. So we all did -- even Sophia. This broke the ice for her with the other children. Marion had brought sweets for all and had the children (about 15, with the neighbors) line up to take their turn for one. Sophia was happy to line up too (for candy!), and was about the twelfth in the queue. For the ride home, it was pitch dark, the stars were out in full force, and the ride made us laugh like a bumpy roller coaster.
There were many things that struck me about Mr. Tambo. Among them:
* He was caring for the children while his wife was in town (shopping at the market or working, I’m not sure which).
* His standard of living is relatively good, with his own plot of land, but by our standards he lives in abject poverty: mud floors, thatched roof, no electricity, tattered clothing, a piece of corrugated tin on the side of the house to support it.
* His bearing showed great dignity. The only thing he asked of his friends from England was if they were able to get hold of the Virtues book he has been looking for, so he can proceed with his children’s moral education classes. He didn’t ask for anything for himself.
When we arrived – for Sophia’s first village visit – Marion instructed us to shake hands with everyone we saw…don’t worry about germs. So we all did -- even Sophia. This broke the ice for her with the other children. Marion had brought sweets for all and had the children (about 15, with the neighbors) line up to take their turn for one. Sophia was happy to line up too (for candy!), and was about the twelfth in the queue. For the ride home, it was pitch dark, the stars were out in full force, and the ride made us laugh like a bumpy roller coaster.
There were many things that struck me about Mr. Tambo. Among them:
* He was caring for the children while his wife was in town (shopping at the market or working, I’m not sure which).
* His standard of living is relatively good, with his own plot of land, but by our standards he lives in abject poverty: mud floors, thatched roof, no electricity, tattered clothing, a piece of corrugated tin on the side of the house to support it.
* His bearing showed great dignity. The only thing he asked of his friends from England was if they were able to get hold of the Virtues book he has been looking for, so he can proceed with his children’s moral education classes. He didn’t ask for anything for himself.
3 comments:
Hi Homa, we have all been enjoying your blogs. I commend you on your courage and vision to undertake this journey (inward and outward).
Love,
Jahan
Hi Homa - It's Karen (Ebbert). Victoria just passed your blog onto me!. I knew you would do it! I remember you talking about this trip back in July at Amber's Peace Corps "going-away" party. It seemed as though it was just a thought at the time. I am so happy you decided to do this. I wish you much love, and I hope your children have a totally enriching experience. See you when you return.
Love-
Karen
Thanks for thhis
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